POSITION OBJECTIVE

Working under moderate supervision, the research assistant will plan and carry out activities for a clinical research trial that involves exercise and psychotherapy in patients with comorbid pain and opioid addiction. Responsibilities include but are not limited to patient exercise testing, exercise supervision, patient recruitment, patient retention, patient interviews, data collection and data management. Patient interviews, exercise supervision and other testing will be conducted primarily at the drug treatment centers located in northeast Ohio. The research assistant must be certified to supervise and perform exercise testing and conduct human subjects' research. The research assistant must have excellent oral and written communication skills and possess strong organizational skills, the ability to multi-task, prioritize and meet deadlines. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Working under moderate supervision, the research assistant will perform research in medical and technical areas involving the use of skills. Conduct cardiopulmonary exercise testing, exercise supervision and associated data collection and management activities per the study protocols and procedures. (40%)
2. Record results for experiments/research activities. Maintain records of results and conduct corresponding data entry, data coding and data management including performing quality control to ensure that data is entered accurately and timely. May perform data queries, analyses of samples/data and manuscript preparation. May be trained and requested to perform certain data analytic tasks. (20%)
3. Plan and carry out project coordination activities including scheduling patient testing, intervention activities and other meetings as needed at the collaborating drug treatment facilities in northeast Ohio. May assist in developing improved techniques, projection methods or procedures. (10%)
4. Produce timely progress reports on recruitment, retention, exercise intervention and other data collected as part of the research study as requested by the principal investigator. Assist the principal investigator with recruitment and help meet recruitment goals as assigned. Must have and continue to maintain human subjects certification and other credentialing and certifications as required. (10%)

5. Maintain equipment including exercise cycles, cardiopulmonary exercising testing/metabolic cart systems, heart rate monitors, etc. Maintain and help order laboratory supplies including heart rate monitor batteries, cleaning solutions, alcohol wipes, etc. (9%)

    

NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS 

1. Implement retention strategies to ensure patient compliance in the supervised exercise intervention periods and patient follow-up phases. (5%)
2. Attend regularly scheduled meetings with the principal investigator and other research study personnel, as requested. May help train new staff and potentially direct the work of students. (3%)   
3. May assist principal investigator with Institutional Review Board documentation and related activities as requested. (2%)   

4. Perform other duties as assigned. (1%)

    

CONTACTS

Department: Daily contact with the principal investigator and other research personnel to discuss research and maintain workflow.

University: Weekly (or as otherwise specified by principal investigator) interaction with other research staff and co-investigators.

External: Daily contact with patients for recruitment, scheduling, interviewing, exercise supervision and follow-up calls. Daily contact with drug treatment center staff to help coordinate appointments and testing at facilities.

Students: Occasional instruction to other research personnel or to students assisting on the research project when requested by the principal investigator.

SUPERVISORY